Barcelona priority target speaks about Yamal and Casado – ‘They make me a better player’

Nico Williams has quickly become one of the most talked-about young talents in football. As an explosive winger with exceptional skills and a unique presence both on and off the pitch, his rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

The 22-year-old came very close to joining Barcelona last summer. Discussions were held, and the Catalan club was genuinely interested in securing his signature.

However, financial challenges, the constraints of La Liga’s financial fair play regulations, and pressure from Athletic Club ultimately prevented the move.

The forward recently opened up in an interview on the Movistar+ program Universo Valdano. In the conversation, he reflected on his journey, his breakthrough at the top level, and what it meant to win the European title with Spain.

Relationship with Lamine Yamal

One of the standout moments of the interview was his praise for his experiences with the Spanish national team. The winger credited Spain’s style of play under Luis de la Fuente for helping him thrive.

The system, built around direct and attacking football, has allowed wingers like Nico and Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal to shine.

“We had an incredible, wonderful group. Luis de la Fuente has found the key. A more direct game that has benefited me and Lamine,” he said as quoted by SPORT. 

“We are two wingers who like to face the ball a lot, inside players who get forward a lot. The team we had was the best, maybe not in terms of names, but as a team.”

Playing alongside Yamal, Nico has developed a special bond with the Barcelona starlet, and their partnership has been a joy to watch for fans and teammates alike.

“Both Lamine and I felt quite comfortable. I felt like I was in a hiking camp with them, we were enjoying ourselves a lot, and it showed on the field. 

“I think that playfulness when it came to tackling came through. We’re both a bit of crazy goats. They had to slow us down from time to time, Morata was always behind us. 

“We showed on the pitch the personality we have. He’s not just a teammate, he’s a friend. I’m his father (laughs), he knows that perfectly well,” he added.

Praise for Marc Casado

Nico also expressed his admiration for his teammates, including Marc Casado who has impressed him. He highlighted how playing with them has helped him grow and improve as a player.

“I flipped with him. Happy to have shared a locker room with them, they make me a better player,” he noted.

Though Barcelona missed out on signing Nico last summer, his trajectory continues to point upward.

With his undeniable talent and charismatic personality, he remains a player to watch, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Barcelona reignited their interest in the future.